I really like that there is a lively discussion. I do not like where it has gone. I am in no way trying to bash the Hobie Class, they have been very good to me. Rather, I am trying to light a fire under the Formula 18s to get our own things happening. I also do not like that I seem to be the bad guy…really not trying to be.

I really appreciate the efforts of those in the Hobie Class trying to make change. I was an officer in the Hobie class and know what it is like to make any kind of waves. This issue would be a big one.

Since getting involved in the Formula 18s I have been trying to promote Formula 18 sailing outside of the Hobie platform. There have been too many F-18 sailors looking for the HCA-NA to help get them on the water. On the West Coast F-18s are sailing with support of Hobie Cat Co. but without asking for too much help from the Hobie Class. On the flip side the F-18s and A-Cats are helping keep alive invitations for other classes in Hobies to sail in a couple of YC regattas to help their cause. Most of us were once H16, H17 or TheMightyHobie18 sailors. Each year at my club there is another discussion about getting increasingly strict with the qualifications.

I am trying to get the Formula 18 sailors in the U.S. to be more active as a class in themselves. Get our own events. I think the best approach is to work with the Yacht Clubs. I see F-18s getting more exposure and interest in the class by mixing it up with other kinds of boats at such events. I take a lot of people for an evening sail that saw us racing on the same regatta as they were on some other boat.

Later,
Dan